Overnight Houseboat Experience

Duration: Full Day

If you are looking for a unique and memorable experience to treasure during your holiday in Goa, booking an overnight houseboat cruise on one of Goa’s many beautiful rivers won’t fail to impress you. These traditional wooden boats are Goa’s version of the famous rice boats of Kerala. This exciting overnight cruise will give you a wonderful insight into Goa’s rural life and communities from the waterways.

Rice boats (or houseboats) were traditionally used to transport rice and spices on the long journey from Kuttanad to the Cochin port via Kerala’s famous backwaters, which is a unique chain of brackish lagoons, lakes, waterways and rivers found nowhere else in the world. These beautifully crafted boats are constructed from ‘Anjali’ wood, using the ancient principles and techniques of boat building by the local carpenters.

Today, many of the houseboats used for tourists are nothing short of luxurious, each offering bedrooms, a lounge, kitchen, bathroom and other facilities. After the success of the tourist houseboats in Kerala, the concept was later introduced in Goa. River cruises are now one of the most popular attractions for visitors, and it is easy to see why.

Relax and unwind as you cruise along the pristine waters of one of Goa’s beautiful rivers, taking in some of the region’s most picturesque scenery on the way. Your houseboat will take you past lush green banks and mangrove forests, cultivated rice paddy fields and remote villages, giving you a glimpse of Goa’s traditional rural life and beautiful rural landscapes, which are surprisingly green. Look out for native wildlife on your journey.

An abundance of endemic creatures can be spotted both in and out of the water. Many rare and exotic bird species can be seen as you cruise along the tranquil river estuaries, as well as resident and migratory species. Watch kingfishers perching on tree branches and look out for eagles circling and swooping into the water as they dive for fish. This cruise is ideal for bird lovers.

You will also see rich native flora and plenty of fish on the way. What makes this houseboat ride so special is the advantage of seeing the unspoilt beauty of Goa, which otherwise remains inaccessible. Witnessing a glorious Goan sunset on deck as night falls makes the trip even more magical. If you are up early the next morning, you can also watch the river come to life as the sun rises and a new day dawns.

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